Tips for Stress free life  >  Expert Zone   > Alternative Health

       Alternative Health Tips by experts


Evolution of Aromatherapy


The Origin of Aromatherapy

Since the beginning - from the time of the ancient civilisations, the knowledge of the effectiveness and use of aromatic essential oils has handed down from generation to generation, and across different communities. Aromatherapy is a manifestation of humanity's profound wisdom.

As early as 18000 B.C., as attested to in the wall paintings found in French caves, people of the Stone Age era had depicted, in illustrative splendour, their use of aromatherapy for the cure of sickness, fatigue relief or the enhancement of the pleasure of existence.

In ancient Egypt, priests had the knowledge of using aromatic essences in religious rituals, and extracting certain types of aromatic substances for use in medication. Egyptian Pharaohs exchanged essential oils, which could be worth more than gold, for slaves and valuable treasures. The Egyptians also discovered the excellent disinfectant and preservative properties of certain essential oils and resins, and the kinds that best served the use of preservation. Egyptian mummies that have stayed intact for 5,000 years or more aptly demonstrate the effectiveness of these ingredients.

In China, the use of herbs for the treating illnesses has a long history and tradition. From the era of Shen Nong who made medicinal herbal samples to the time of Li Shi Zhen who compiled the "Compendium of Medical Materials", herbal therapy had been a part of life for people of China. In 3000 B.C., the first Chinese medical book "Yellow Emperor's Private Manual" listed in details the curative effects of essential oils.

From around 3,000 B.C., priests who used essential oils in religious rituals and for corpse preservation also understood the beneficial effects of these for the living. In the Bible, essential oils are mentioned 180 times. The depiction that most people are familiar is that when baby Jesus was born, three wise men came, bringing along the essential oil that could strengthen the body's immunity.

In 400B.C., the father of ancient Greek Medicine -- Hippocrates -- recorded in his famous medical treatise the properties of some 300 kinds of essential oils for the maintenance of well being. Ancient Romans used aromatherapy to create a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere in their temples and political buildings. They also used essential oils for massages after bathing.

In 15th Century Europe, aromatic essential oils were used to eliminate body odor and prevent diseases; in the times of the Crusades in the 12th Century, Europeans used essential oils against epidemics, reducing the death toll. With the rise of the modern perfume and cosmetics industry, the use of aromatic essential oils is becoming more and more widespread.

The Development of Aromatherapy

In 1897, a French pharmacist worked with the extracts and blended essential oils that were in fashion among the Europeans. Using an innovative process, botanicool was successfully infused via essential oils with the help of a patented formula catalyst. Together with the world renowned discovery of a burner head made of composite materials, these essential oils were able to diffuse instantaneously and increase its aromatic potency. This development gave rise to a complete series of efficient, safe and effective aromatherapy application.

In 1928, French botanist Rene-Maurine Gatteforril wrote numerous books on healing with aromatic plant essential oils. In these books, he explained the characteristics and application methods of plant essential oils, including examples of effective application of plants essential oils for disinfections, sterilisations, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory uses.

He recounted how he had unwittingly soaked his scalded hand into a container of pure lavender oil, and was surprised to discover immediate pain relief and healing without leaving a scar. He continued experimenting with various essential oils, such as extracts of thyme, clove, chamomile and lemon, and used these on the sick and wounded soldiers in a military hospital. The result of healing was astonishing.

In 1964, Doctor Jean Valnet made further discoveries on the effective properties of essential oils for cell regeneration and sterilisation, and vigorously promoted the use of aromatherapy in the medical field. Before the Second World War, the essential oils of clove, lemon, thyme and chamomile were used as natural disinfectants and sterilisers. They were also used to fumigate hospital wards, and to disinfect surgical and dentistry tools. During the Second World War, the medical arena continued in its use of essential oils, in an attempt to hasten the recovery process from scar marks, healing of burns and treatment of wounds.

Some time later, French biochemist Marguerite Maury expanded this field of research. In her highly influential book "Secrets of Life and Youth", she narrated the various effects of aromatherapy. After years of research and clinical tests, she identified the areas in which aromatic molecules deliver significant therapeutic results. These observations were studied from a scientific perspective and recorded in detail. In addition, aromatherapy was introduced into the cosmetics world, synthesising medicine, health and beauty.

In particular, she noted the influences of essential oils when absorbed by the skin or inhaled in the form of aromatic fumes. Aromatic molecules entering through the respiratory tract cause millions of reactions to happen through the nerves, finally registering themselves in the brain. In this process, they stimulate our senses, excite our mental faculty and restore vitality. As such, we can make use of this beautiful substance to restore our physical well being to a natural and balanced state.

In order to gain greater insight into this thousand-years legacy, Bel'Air has gathered biochemical researchers to engage in scientific techniques of analysis and research into the basic characteristics and applications of essential oils. Various research and development projects have already been launched.

Advancing into the New Era of Bio-technology

From ancient times, based on practical experiences, man has realised the marvellous effects of essential oils on the human body. However, what components do different kinds of essential oils contain? Among the components, which ones are most beneficial to the human body? Under what conditions will they be most effective? The study of the practical curative properties of essential oils, made with the full vigor of modern science, is the paramount mission of the leader of the aromatherapy world -- Bel'Air.

The Global Chairman of Bel'Air, Mr Huang Shu Li, introduced "Aromatherapy" in Asia. He created a new wave of aromatherapy trend and successfully established the aromatherapy brand "Bel' Air". Strictly controlled quality materials are used to supply the market demand. Taking first into consideration the needs of the human body, new essential oils are constantly researched and developed for the market.

With great foresight, Bel'Air has combined medical and bio-technology in aromatherapy applications so as to elevate such applications to the specialised path of body health maintenance and treatments. Bel'Air diligently seeks to validate with science the application of aroma curative properties. All products have certifications from various countries to attest to their safety in use. To achieve the objective of laying deep foundations for the aromatherapy business, Bel'Air has collaborated with the National Yang Ming University in Taiwan, establishing the Bel'Air Bio-tech Research Centre. With this, distinguished experts in the medical and bio-technology fields have been invited to help research and confirm the safety and effectiveness of the use of Bel'Air's essential oils.

The promotion and development of pure essential oils and therapeutic methods have been Bel'Air's achievements in pioneering the trend for health maintenance aromatherapy. To bring aromatherapy applications into the realm of medical and preventive medicine is a goal that Bel'Air diligently aspires to accomplish. The ability to use high-end bio-technology to develop essential oil products with preventive and curative functions for ailments shows that Bel'Air is well ahead in the era of aromatherapy for medical applications and is opening up a new chapter in aromatherapy history.

Nur Syahid, a Natural Aromatherapist, specializes in Bio-Tech Aromatherapy including oxygen therapy, ozone therapy, health aromatherapy. Comments, Share and more info E-mail at : Healthybelair@yahoo.com


MORE RESOURCES:

See the complete list of Articles on Alternative Health here

Have a look at Best Selling Books on Alternative Health

 

Google

See also : Other articles on

Depression, Grief Loss, Happiness, Humor, Inspirational, Motivation,
Positive Attitude
, Meditation, Spirituality Goal Setting, Wealth Building, Ethics, Stress Management
Yoga, Alternative Health, Build Muscle, Exercise,   Aerobics Cardio, Fitness Equipment Pregnancy  Dating, Elder Care, RelationshipAcneBeauty, Hair Loss
Cooking Tips, Recipes,Top Tips for everything Crafts Hobbies, Creativity, Fishing Photography, Pets,

Latest info on : Alternative Health


Voice of America

Oil Is Steady Near Records as Investors Seek Stocks Alternative
Bloomberg - 18 hours ago
By Grant Smith July 4 (Bloomberg) -- Crude oil traded little changed near records above $145 a barrel as investors purchased commodities as an alternative ...
Oil trades near record high The Age
Guest editorial: Let's proclaim our Energy Independence Austin Herald
Oil Rises for Second Week as Investors Seek Stocks Alternatives Bloomberg
Bloomberg
all 2,349 news articles


The Plush alternative
Financial Times, UK - 2 hours ago
By Andrew Clark In winter most musicians stick to metropolitan halls. In summer they prefer the fields – to explore, to recharge. ...


Lawn mower racing: The rough-and-tumble alternative to manicuring
Pioneer Press, MN - 11 hours ago
By Richard Chin So says Jere Heineman, Hibbing resident, lawn mower racer and vice president of the Minnesota Lawn Mower Racing Association, which kicks off ...


Alternative Service for Conscientious Objectors Reconsidered
코리아타임즈, South Korea - 18 hours ago
By Jung Sung-ki The government has started to review from scratch whether or not to allow conscientious objectors to perform alternative military services, ...


Doctors in for a dose of alternative medicine
The Age, Australia - 13 hours ago
He says it "combines both alternative and conventional approaches to maximise the body's natural healing powers. It gives me a sense that I'm in the right ...
GP training to include the fringe alternatives The Age
all 5 news articles


Brighton's Alternative and Adult Education stand test of time
MLive.com, MI - 23 hours ago
The Alternative and Adult Education Program is run by Brighton Community Education. "We're small, we're personable, and we teach outside the box," says ...


Saudi minister doubts 'politically popular' alternative fuels
Economic Times, India - Jul 3, 2008
MADRID: Saudi Arabia's oil minister Ali al-Nuaimi on Thursday defended crude against "politically popular" alternative energy sources, saying these are not ...


Alternative energy measure approved
Oil City Derrick, PA - 10 minutes ago
The Pennsylvania Legislature gave final approval Friday to an alternative energy plan that is designed to boost renewable energy development and help ...


National Business Review

Alternative inflation fighting tools unlikely in near future
National Business Review, New Zealand - Jul 2, 2008
The Government is unlikely to propose any alternative tools to fight inflation before the election, Finance Minister Michael Cullen says. ...


Voice of America

Argonne National Laboratory Works on Alternative Fuel Technology
Voice of America - Jul 3, 2008
By Kane Farabaugh In the 1970s, soaring oil prices forced automakers to consider alternatives to gasoline-powered vehicles. But a decline in gasoline prices ...

Alternative - Google News

Why not be an expert yourself  ?

 If you can write on any of the above topic, you are welcome to submit your
 articles in our database :

 Submit your article here   Our Article Area

You are here Home > Tips for Stress free Life > Expert Zone > Alternative Health


| Alternative Health Home | All articles on Alternative Health- complete list 

Main Home  | Meditation Corner

                |Health Tips  | Workplace Tips  | Soul Tips  |Expert zone |

Recommend us  |

 Books, DVDs and accessories on meditation & yoga  |

[About us] [Contact] [Privacy Policy]

Copyright 2006, Meditation is Easy.com, All rights reserved